General Dentistry Information: Common Reasons for Tooth Pain

General Dentistry St. George, UT

In general dentistry, there are a lot of unknowns for the average person. For example, it may not be 100% obvious why a tooth is aching, which is why visiting the dental office is necessary. However, more often than not, it is impossible to immediately see a general dentist as soon as the pain arises. With that being said, having an understanding of what causes tooth pain can be helpful. Keep reading to learn more about tooth pain in general dentistry

Why tooth pain occurs

Outlined below are a few common reasons that tooth pain occurs. Reviewing this information can be helpful to individuals who are trying to pinpoint the reason for discomfort.

Cavity

One of the most common reasons why a tooth starts to ache is because a cavity is present. Cavities are the result of an infection in a tooth, which comes from bacteria. The bacteria spread when oral hygiene is not practiced, leading to holes in the teeth, thus resulting in a cavity. When the infection grows or starts to reach the nerves of the tooth, pain often sets in. 

General dentists are trained to identify warning signs; however, they also have access to x-rays, which show the cavity. Cavities can be hard to detect by the average person, which is why pain usually is the tell-all sign. 

Gum infection

Another reason that tooth may start to hurt is due to a gum infection. Just like when the teeth are infected, the gums too can experience the same thing, resulting in pain. Because the gums are responsible for housing the teeth and protecting them, they are required to be in tip-top condition, otherwise, symptoms like pain or swelling may occur. 

When the gums become so infected that the teeth begin to hurt, this means that a visit to a general dentistry practice is necessary. Once the teeth are infected as a result of gum infection, multiple dental treatments will be required in order to salvage one's oral health. 

Simpler things

Of course, there are simpler reasons why teeth may hurt. It can be easy to automatically assume the worst; however, in some cases, it is not due to an infection. For example, when food particles get left behind or stuck in between two teeth, they can irritate the surrounding area, leading to discomfort or pain. General dentistry practices recommend flossing at least once a day and brushing twice to avoid this. For those who often experience stuck food, it is advised to brush and floss after every meal. 

Visit a general dentist

Tooth pain can be difficult to deal with and manage at home, which is why it is best to always visit a general dentistry practice. An evaluation can be done to determine where the pain is coming from. Then, a plan of action can be put into place to solve the pain. Reach out today to learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.drpainless.com or call Red Cliffs Dental at (435) 465-4002 for an appointment in our St. George office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in St. George, UT.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry Treatments For Your Oral Health

General dentistry services are designed to improve a patient’s long-term oral health. Although the services offered by general dentists vary, common services include routine cleanings, cavity fillings, scaling and root planing, dental crowns, and root canal therapy.On the first visit with a general dentist, they will conduct an oral examination and determine what treatments are…

Are Dentures Part Of General Dentistry Services?

Dentures are one of the more common methods of tooth replacement and they often fall under the category of General Dentistry Services. Understanding what dentures are and who they are for can help you decide whether they or another type of general dentistry service is right for you.General dentistry services vary for each general dentist.…

Why General Dentists Suggest Patients Use A Toothpaste Containing Fluoride

Our general dentist recommends brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride to give your teeth the highest level of protection possible against tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that helps to re-mineralize and strengthen teeth enamel.Fluoride can be found in natural bodies of water, as well as many fruits and vegetables like grapes…

Why A Dental Check-Up Is Necessary

A dental checkup is one of the most important things to have done. General dentists recommend that check-ups be had at least twice a year. People of all ages should make these appointments a priority, so find out why below. Just like doctors' appointments, dentist appointments also play a crucial role in a person’s overall health.…

Recent Posts

Recovery Tips After An Implant Supported Dentures Procedure

Recovery Tips After An Implant Supported Dentures Procedure

Implant supported dentures are dentures that are held in place by implants. They are an effective option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are very popular because of their high success rate and advantages. Anyone considering implant supported dentures should take time to learn about the procedure. This includes the recovery process. After the procedure,…

Healing Time Length After A Tooth Extraction

Healing Time Length After A Tooth Extraction

An extraction is usually recommended as a last resort when a tooth is too damaged to be saved. The two main types of extractions performed by dentists are simple and surgical extractions. A simple extraction is performed when enough of the tooth is left above the gumline to pull it out with forceps. A surgical…

At Red Cliffs Dental we understand our patients’ objectives and provide solutions to improve your health and transform your smile!